Debby Causing Gusty Afternoon Winds Across Florida

Tropical Storm Debby is a few hours away from making landfall in the great Big Bend region of Florida late this afternoon. Debby is producing gusty winds across the entire state today, along with continued flooding problems.

The sun has broken out over many locations from central and southern Florida this afternoon, and this has allowed surface heating to take place. This heat also helps to mix down the stronger winds aloft making for some windy non-thunderstorm conditions. Outside of the tropical storm warnings along the west coast, there are also high wind advisories until 8pm for inland counties due to the gusty winds.

Here are some recent wind reports from earlier today. The winds should relax some as we move into the evening hours.

• West Palm Beach - 47 mph
• Brighton Seminole - 53 mph
• Lake Okeechobee 53 mph
• Stuart - 46 mph
• Vero Beach 37 mph
• Clearwater 39 mph
• Ft Myers 39 mph

 Here is a visible satellite image of Debby nearing the Big Bend coast with overlay wind data and center fix.